Coaching role just the job for Given

SHAY Given is relishing his new role in Wayne Rooney’s coaching set-up.

The former Republic of Ireland international was Derby County’s head of goalkeeper coaching before being promoted to first-team coach following Rooney’s appointment as manager last month.

“Being a goalkeeping coach speaks for itself, you look after the goalkeepers. When Wayne took over, he asked me to change roles and have more responsibility with the guys in the team in general, which I have enjoyed,” Given told Ramstv.

“I always saw my long-term plan, if you like, to be more as a coach or an assistant and getting involved with outfield players as well.

“I am happy to be involved with the outfield players, team selection and set plays and just enjoying working with all the players, rather than just three or four of the goalkeepers. It is a nice change for me.”

Given joined Derby’s backroom team when Frank Lampard was manager.

“Frank gave me the opportunity to be the goalkeeping coach and I was really happy to come to a great club like Derby County, so that was great for me,” said Given.

“The next step for me now is coaching the outfield players and having a little more input than before as well, helping the gaffer with selection and different things, and just giving your ideas on certain players and systems.

“Wayne has the final decision, and rightly so, and the rest of us are there to try to support him and help the best we can.”

Rooney’s coaching team also consists of assistant manager Liam Rosenior, first-team development coach Justin Walker and head goalkeeping coach Jason Pearcey.

“We have got a good mix on the staff,” Given added.

“Wayne is a former striker, Liam is an ex-defender and Justin played in midfield. With me as an ex-goalkeeper, we have the full spine of the team.

“I think when you have different people who played different positions, they do see the game differently.

“It has worked really well.”